Ja Morant Returns, Memphis Beats Orlando 126-109 in London

Ja Morant marked his return in the best possible way. Absent for six games due to a calf injury, the Memphis Grizzlies star point guard scored 24 points and delivered 13 assists to lead his team to a convincing 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic at London’s O2 Arena.

Memphis Gets Revenge After Berlin Defeat

This victory allows the Grizzlies to erase last Thursday’s defeat in Berlin (118-111), during the first regular season NBA game held in Germany. The Tennessee team quickly took control with a 17-point lead by the end of the first quarter, extending the gap to as much as 33 points in the first half.

Jock Landale provided valuable support with 21 points and 8 rebounds off the bench, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17 points. For Orlando, Anthony Black led the offense with 19 points, followed by Wendell Carter Jr. (18 points, 7 rebounds) and Paolo Banchero (16 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds).

Despite a late comeback attempt, cutting the deficit to 17 points on a Banchero 3-pointer with 8:15 remaining, the Magic never truly threatened Memphis. Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo had confirmed before the game that Morant was « on track to play, » stating: « Everything I’ve been told is that he’s ready to go. »

A Prestigious NBA Spectacle in the British Capital

This game marked the NBA’s return to London after a seven-year absence, drawing 18,424 spectators in an atmosphere worthy of the biggest American nights. Many celebrities were courtside, including footballers Virgil van Dijk and Declan Rice, Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli, actress Rosamund Pike, as well as legends Thierry Henry and Tony Parker.

Hey @VirgilvDijk!

The Liverpool soccer player is in London for Magic/Grizzlies ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/OoAv3hHHbd

— NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2026

This European double-header is part of the NBA’s international expansion strategy. In 2027, Manchester will host its first regular season game alongside Paris, while Paris and Berlin will host games in 2028. The league is even considering launching an independent European division as early as the 2027-2028 season, despite opposition from the EuroLeague, which threatens legal action.

For Memphis, this European victory could mark a turning point in a difficult season, while Orlando will need to digest this defeat despite remarkable performances from Anthony Black, who notably threw down a spectacular dunk over four defenders during the Berlin game that has already gone viral on social media.

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